The Orlando Sentinel from Orlando, Florida • B7

Orlando Sentinel: PRODUCT: OS DESK: LOC DATE: 04-25-2006 EDITION: FLA ZONE: FLA PAGE: B7.0 DEADLINE: 21.21 OP: apinkston COMPOSETIME: 23.16 CMYK Orlando Sentinel TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2006 B7 What to do with building divides Puerto Rican community group BUILDING plishment for the Puerto Rican community," said Caceres, whose office has partnered with the association for some events. "It may be only 3 years old, but it has given name and visibility to the organization, and the community." Harry Pecunia, an insurance-agency owner and former association president, sees the clubhouse as a way for Puerto Ricans to claim a stake in the region for the long term. Without gathering places, Pecunia said, community life would cease to exist. "When I die, I want to leave this for my grandchildren, and I want people to come and have access to a building that is free of debts, where they can meet and thank that there were people with the vision to do this," said Pecunia, 57, a part of the association since its 1977 inception. "We are not going to give up until they throw us out of here." Victor Manuel Ramos can be reached at vramosorlandosentinel.com or 407-420-61 86.

nances to the black and renegotiated the club's debt to buy time until September. But he wanted to find a long-term solution to the financial burden, which could have included the unpopular idea of selling the property off. A sale would require approval from a majority of the membership. Asset or obstacle? He called it quits in a letter in which he explained that he joined the association because of its role in promoting culture only to see its mission boil down to saving the clubhouse. "The constant pressure to generate income to meet our monthly commitments," Martinez, 44, wrote in his resignation letter, "keeps us under stress and does not allow us to pay attention to our membership, which should be our most valued resource.

"My hope in being president," Martinez went on, "was not to manage a social club dedicated to the rent of its facilities." The clubhouse was a mile $2 million," said Tommy Martinez, 44. "We want our Puerto Rican people to come together, and even if it's a dollar that they contribute, we could get something started here to save this landmark." Saving a symbol The group is trying to raise its profile to tap more funding sources. It is offering services such as English-language classes. It is seeking grants to offer other educational programs such as financial-literacy classes held there last Saturday that take it beyond mostly social functions. The association also is collecting funds from members who are lending money to the club at lower rates than banks would offer.

Association officers say members have committed more than $300,000 toward the $1.8 million debt. The association also is planning a large fundraiser for the summer. The clubhouse they are trying to keep has become a gathering place away from home for Puerto Ricans seeking the warmth of their culture. The social gatherings that started with just over a dozen families in the late 1970s have grown into an organization whose officers say has almost 350 families on its roster and a membership of close to 1,000. Cultural connections At the club, members attend folk-arts presentations, ballroom dances, and talks on Puerto Rican history and culture.

They also use the building as an extended home. It's a place where couples get free baby-sitting; where they play bingo and dominoes every week; and where they celebrate important milestones, such as birthdays and weddings. The clubhouse is a community asset that should remain a Puerto Rican institution, said Sylvia Caceres, director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration that represents the government of Puerto Rico in Orlando. "That building is an accom stone for the association. It bought the land in the 1980s and paid it off during the next decade.

The group raised funds for years to qualify for an interest-only loan that allowed it to build the big facility. But membership growth and rental income never met members' internal feud over the building has stirred strong sentiments among others in the association, especially veteran They do not want to lose what cost so much time to build up after almost 29 years of the group's history. Martinez's proposal to at least consider the sale brought those older members together to try to find a less embarrassing solution. They appointed former president Tommy Martinez, who is not related to Angel Martinez, and other board members. The new leadership is planning a fundraising push to avoid selling the building, which they say is worth almost $4 million.

"We are setting a goal of FROM 1 those payments, but costs are expected to double as an extension on the short-term loan expires in five months. Leaders of the group are split over what to do with the clubhouse which one member described as the Wal-Mart of social clubs in Orlando because of its size. It has upper-level office space, four meeting rooms and a ballroom that seats 300 people. One faction wants to sell it to pay off debts and get a fresh start using the estimated $2 million in excess equity. Another group of members balked at the idea, pushing instead for a new fundraising campaign.

As the disagreement intensified, the organization's president resigned. Five other board members and a committee person also have quit over the issue, although they all remain association members. Angel Martinez, a software-engineering manager elected president six months ago, brought the club's monthly fi Obituaries, Services, KING, GLORIA 90, of Sanford, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at the Lake Jessup Retirement Home. A native of New Bedford, MA, she moved to Sanford in 1989 from Springfield, VA. She was a retired administrative assistant with the Department of the Army.

She also volunteered with the Salvation Army, the Sanford Police Department and with Meals on Wheels. Survivors include her son, Fred King of Sanford; her daughter, Sandra Jasper of Sanford; one grandchild and two great grandchildren. A private service will be held at a later date. BRISSON FUNERAL HOME, 905 Laurel Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771 is in charge of arrangements. STELTENKAMP, CYNTHIA, 57, slowly faded away Thursday after a long and graceful battle against Wegener's Granulomatosis.

She lived a never-ending real life story. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was a Regional Vice President for a national title insurance company. However, her greatest accomplishment was her ability to be a friend and mentor who touched the lives of many with her unique laugh and warm soul. Her sense of humor should be an inspiration to all of us.

She will be incredibly missed by her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, Dr. Tiffany Pickup, Jon Pickup, and Madeline Pickup; sister, Joni Raines, and brother, Jeff Oliver; and father, Bob Oliver. Visitation will be 5-8PM on Tuesday at Baldwin-Fairchild East Altamonte Chapel. Services will be at 11AM on Wednesday at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.

David Siegel (left) offers $250,000 for the safe return of Jennifer Kesse, 24, of Orlando, who has been missing 3 months. Siegel was accompanied by the missing woman's father, Drew Kesse, on Monday. Memorials RICHARD A. MONTGOMERY July 7, 1931 April 25, 2005 You will forever live in my heart. Your Loving Wife, Thelma Montgomery DARLENE "SHUG" BOYKIN March 29, 1956 April 25, 2004 Alive in our hearts.

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TRI-C0UNTY CASKETS $AVE HUNDREDS of Opening Soon in Longwood 407-406-0222 Sign a guestbook for someone on OrlandoSentinel.com obituaries IN LOVING MEMORY OF IN LOVING MEMORY OF Reward raised in Kesse case KESSE FROM Bl Kesse was last heard from at 10 p.m. Jan. 23, when she spoke to her boyfriend by phone from her condominium near the Mall at Millenia in southwest Orlando. The next day, she didn't show up for her job as a financial analyst at one of Siegel's companies, Central Florida Investments. No one has used Kesse's credit card or cell phone since her disappearance, authorities said.

The Kesse family continues to hope someone will identify an individual who was seen near an apartment where Kesse's car was found Jan. 26. There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to that person. Siegel said he decided to offer the bigger reward because of concern about the family. "We want her back now, not a year from now," he said.

"I just felt like $115,000 didn't do it. If I made it $250,000, maybe that will get somebody's attention." After putting up the $100,000 reward days after Kesse's disappearance, Siegel got into a dispute with Crimeline officials because he didn't want to pay a reward for her body or a conviction, but rather for her safe return. He also objected to Crimeline keeping the interest made off his money. Lawmakers LIMITS FROM 1 The original plan to ask voters to extend legislators' terms sailed through the Legislature a year ago, passing the House by a 92-24 vote and the Senate 35-4. The extended limits would not apply to lawmakers now in office.

Supporters argued that the current limit of eight years which voters approved in 1992 after a campaign that featured the slogan "Eight is Enough" has led to a brain drain in the Legislature. That, they said, has stripped lawmakers of the experience needed for the often-complex lawmaking process and has transferred too much influence to corporate lobbyists and legislative staffers. But now many of those same lawmakers some of whom are running for higher office this year appear to be The reward was returned to Siegel in March. When he put up the $100,000, he also wanted to remain anonymous because he was concerned about the safety of those around him if kidnappers learned his identity. But he changed his mind with the $250,000, he said, because he wanted everyone to know he is serious about getting Kesse back.

Siegel said he hopes the higher amount will encourage someone to come for GRAHAM, MAYO Lost his courageous battle with mantle cell lymphoma at the age of 67 on April 22, 2000. Mayo was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 1, 1938. He moved to Florida with his parents in 1951 to attend Orlando Junior Academy and Forest Lake Academy, where he met his childhood sweetheart. He was a faithful member of Markham Woods Seventh Day Adventist Church. In 1956 Mayo married his childhood sweetheart, Bunny Zaffis.

This October would have been their 51st anniversary. They had three children, Shellie, Barry, and Cindy and ten grandchildren, Lindsay, Lauren, Lexi, Amelia, Clayton, Colin, Alyssa, Corbin, Carley, and Kelsey. Mayo was a man focused on his family. He loved his parents, Walter and Mae, as well as his brothers and sister, Glen, Brent, and Christine. He was a wonderful father to his children and his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

Mayo was a second-generation builder and a developer in Central Florida for over 45 years. He began building at an early age with his father. He was known for his perfection, detail and workmanship. Mayo was a man who loved to go places. An avid aviator he learned to fly in the 60's and owned his own plane.

He was always taking family and friends on weekend getaways. He had a close group of friends that he rode motorcycles with and they took numerous trips over the years. They rode every part of the country from Florida to Canada and all parts between. One of Mayo's favorite places was the mountains in North Carolina. He spent as much time there as possible and always had a houseful of friends and family staying with Bunny and him at his cabin.

Mayo will be greatly missed by all his friends and family and leaves this world a better place for all he touched. Please make donations in lieu of flowers to Markham Woods Seventh Day Adventist Church building fund. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, April 27 at 1PM at Markham Woods Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Jim Coffin officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, Apopka. Visitation for friends will be Wednesday, 6-9PM at the West Altamonte Chapel of the Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, 622 W.

St. Rt. 436, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. Please view and sign the guestbook at: www. baldwi nfairchi ld.com Express condolences with our online obituaries.

OrlandoSentinel.com obituaries i like 8 -year limits again SMITH, ROSA 92, a resident of Cedar Island Club, New Smyrna Beach, died April 22, 2006, at the residence of her daughter, Betty Jane Smith, Longwood. Betty has been her longtime companion and caregiver. Rosa, nee Rosa Elisa Connerly, was born in Lake Village, Arkansas, on February 5, 1914, to the late Arthur and Reita Connerly. She attended Arkansas College in Monticello, Arkansas, where she met and married Clifton Wayne Smith on July 30, 1934. They both graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1936.

They moved to Crossett, Arkansas, where they raised three children. In 1956, they moved to Rome, Georgia, where Wayne became Vice President of Inland Container. He died suddenly in 1968 at the age of 53. Thirty-eight years later, Rosa still reminisced about their love and marriage. After her husband's death, Rosa became a housemother at Clem-son University where her daughters were attending college.

She later became a housemother at The University of the South, an Episcopal college in Sewanee, Tennessee. It was after this that she and Betty enjoyed extensive travel both at home and abroad. Rosa was generous and loving to her family and her church, as well as being involved in many community and charitable activities. She also enjoyed the company of her friends and neighbors, and was an avid bridge player and line dancer well into her eighties. She embraced life to the fullest, and to the end was a loyal Atlanta Braves baseball fan.

Her funeral service will be held in Apopka, Florida, at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit April 26, 2006, at 3PM, where she has been a longtime member. Viewing will be held at Loomis Funeral Home on April 25, 2006, from 6-8PM. Graveside services will be conducted at Myrtle Hill Cemetery in Rome, Georgia, April 28, 2006, at 1PM. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Wayne. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Comforter in Orlando, or The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Apopka.

In addition to her daughter, Betty, Rosa is survived by her son, Billy Wayne Smith of Deland; her youngest daughter, Sally Ann Hutto of Buford, Georgia; five grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. Services entrusted to LOOMIS FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Apopka, FL. 407-880-1007 www.loomisfuneralhomes.com RED HUBERORLANDO SENTINEL ward and eventually lead to a happy reunion. "We keep hoping," he said. "It would be the happiest day of my life to write that check." Anyone with information about Kesse can call 407-722-2162.

Crimeline also is accepting tips at 1-800-423-8477 and is offering a separate $15,000 reward. Amy C. Rippel can be reached at arippelorlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5736. fore the Legislature adjourns next week. Lawmakers insisted they weren't changing their minds because they are worried about election-year fallout.

Rather, they said they have simply come to realize there is overwhelming opposition to the idea among voters. House Rules Chairman Dudley Goodlette, R-Naples, said he surveyed his constituents before the session began, and more than 70 percent opposed extending term limits. Paul Jacob, a spokesman for U.S. Term Limits, which promotes such restrictions across the country, said legislators have plenty of reason to worry if they leave the measure on the ballot. "No doubt, they're scared to death that the people of Florida are going to figure out exactly what they put on the ballot.

The voters are going to be angry," Jacob said. "They may have realized that they're not going to get their hand back out of the cookie jar." Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarciaorlandosentinel.com or 850-222-5564. SMITH, CAPTAIN JOHN U.S. NAVY age 83, died at home in Fort Myers, FL on April 22, 2006 following a brief illness. He was born on September 15, 1922 in New Lexington, Ohio.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, becoming an aviator at the end of World War II. He progressed thru numerous flight duties in Korea and elsewhere. He spent two tours in Vietnam as the Executive Officer of the USS Ranger Aircraft Carrier. He retired with the rank of Captain from the Pentagon in 1968.

He then took an executive position with CDI Engineering in Philadelphia before retiring again and moving to Windermere, Florida. During his retirement, John took up and became a stain glass artist and his work was highly valued and sought after. His glasswork can be seen in many family homes, buyer's homes, his Catholic Church and at Sea World in Orlando. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sally; his daughter, and her husband, Colleen and Barry Hillmyer, his son Patrick Kelly and his fiancee, Jill; his son, John, Jr. and his wife, Jill Suzanne.

He is affectionately remembered as "Pop" to his 11 grandchildren: Norman, Casey, Brady, Ryan and Patrick Lessard, Katie (Brett) Rodriguez and Brian Brett, Shannon and Caron Smith and Patrick and Kelly Rose Smith; a special son-in-law, Norman Lessard and his wife, Cindy and their children: Bob, Anna and Drew; 12 great grandchildren; a brother, Charles, and sisters, Margaret and Mary. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon (Smith) Lessard and a sister, Eleanor. A Memorial Mass will be conducted at 10AM on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at St. Francis Catholic Church, 2157 Cleveland Ave.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial 239-936-0555. rethinking the idea of sharing the ballot with a proposal that could spark turnout among angry voters. "I still think that it the 1992 amendment was the wrong thing to do, but it was something the people voted on," said Sen. Walter "Skip" Campbell D-Tamarac, who voted to remove the amendment from this year's ballot Monday. Campbell, who is running for attorney general, supported the measure a year ago.

Sen. Daniel Webster, R-Winter Garden, the Legislature's longest-serving member, was more blunt. "I think it would be a good idea to take it off the ballot. Because it's going to lose big-time," said Webster, who, like Campbell, voted for the term-limits extension a year ago. Bense, too, said he would reverse himself this time around should the measure make it to the House floor be- It, We Celebrate Look Beyond Tradition I'hitC 3a Share a memory.

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